Wednesday, September 3, 2008

The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine’s Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association is hosting a 5K run on Saturday, Sept. 20, in support of World Rabies Day. The course winds throughout the UGA campus, with the starting and finish lines at Stegeman Coliseum. Proceeds from the race will benefit the Alliance for Rabies Control, an international organization dedicated to the prevention of human rabies and eradication of rabies in dogs worldwide.

“Rabies impacts human as well as animal health and welfare,” said event organizer Zack Yasin. “It is completely preventable through vaccination, yet at least 55,000 people—mostly in underdeveloped countries—die annually. Our hope is to raise more awareness locally to support worldwide education efforts and help eradicate this deadly disease.”

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. the day of the race, with the shotgun start beginning at 9 a.m. Awards for top male and female overall winners will be given, as well as for masters and the top three male and female runners in each age group. Registration cost is $20 the day of the race. The cost for pre-registration by Sept. 17 is $15. Each participant receives a t-shirt, complementary bananas, bagels and water. Leashed dogs with current rabies tags are welcome to join owners in the race.

For more information and to pre-register for the race, visit www.vet.uga.edu/SCAVMA.